Operating on a global frequency with a knack for genre-blurred grooviness, Berlin-based Zeynep delivers a transportive blend of rolling rhythms and cross-pollinated mind-lockers that hit all the right spots. For those that like their grooves deep, percussive, techy and mysterious you've come to the right place.
@zeynep
Q. What sounds or feelings did you draw upon when gathering inspiration for this mix, and what listening environments could you imagine it being best enjoyed in?
A. First off, I want to thank you for letting me be part of this incredible mix series :‘) what an honor! As a big fan of MDC I wanted to tap into a deeper, more mysterious side of myself while still holding onto the sound that feels like “me”. I tried to let the mix slowly build into that, so you can hear different influences coming through before it settles where it needs to be.
As for the ideal listening environment... I like thinking about how it can live in different contexts. That’s why I love when people surprise me with where they play my mixes. Someone once told me they put one on at an orgy which might be the highest compliment I’ve ever received. So yeah, whatever place you’re in (physical or emotional) if it fits, it fits.
Q. Are there any records in the mix that you were especially excited to share, and what is it about these songs that resonate with you so much?
A. The opening track export city by project runaway from 2020 really captures the kind of rhythm I’m into right now. It’s built around infectious percussion and a sleek, pulsing groove. It kinda mirrors internal restlessness and the desire to move which is what draws me in I guess.
The closing track No Reason by Vertical Blank from 1993 has these darkwave vocals that feel sad and euphoric at the same time. It’s got this “the end is near but you’re not sure if that’s good or bad“ energy which sounds strange but that ambiguity is exactly why it resonates with me.. if that makes sense?
Q. I know you’re a big advocate of community focussed DIY parties, what are some events you’ve played over the last year that you’ve felt best embody community spirit, and what do you feel are some of the most important elements required to achieve it?
A. Two of my favorite gigs this year were Earth Dog in NYC and noclubs in Amsterdam. Both were proper DIY raves in secret locations, built entirely from scratch with great sound and music by great people who genuinely care. What made each of them so special was how much they embodied real community spirit: everyone contributing, looking out for each other and creating a space that truly feels owned by the people in it.
You feel it in how accessible and transparent everything is, in the shared ownership and in the effort to keep things affordable while inviting diverse voices into both the lineup and the organization. Being part of experiences like these makes people feel safe and part of something they get to shape, rather than just attend. And I think that’s a key element. Big up to both crews and anyone out there for keeping that culture alive and staying real and true to themselves!
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Operating on a global frequency with a knack for genre-blurred grooviness, Berlin-based Zeynep delivers a transportive blend of rolling rhythms and cross-pollinated mind-lockers that hit all the right spots. For those that like their grooves deep, percussive, techy and mysterious you've come to the right place.
@zeynep
Q. What sounds or feelings did you draw upon when gathering inspiration for this mix, and what listening environments could you imagine it being best enjoyed in?
A. First off, I want to thank you for letting me be part of this incredible mix series :‘) what an honor! As a big fan of MDC I wanted to tap into a deeper, more mysterious side of myself while still holding onto the sound that feels like “me”. I tried to let the mix slowly build into that, so you can hear different influences coming through before it settles where it needs to be.
As for the ideal listening environment... I like thinking about how it can live in different contexts. That’s why I love when people surprise me with where they play my mixes. Someone once told me they put one on at an orgy which might be the highest compliment I’ve ever received. So yeah, whatever place you’re in (physical or emotional) if it fits, it fits.
Q. Are there any records in the mix that you were especially excited to share, and what is it about these songs that resonate with you so much?
A. The opening track export city by project runaway from 2020 really captures the kind of rhythm I’m into right now. It’s built around infectious percussion and a sleek, pulsing groove. It kinda mirrors internal restlessness and the desire to move which is what draws me in I guess.
The closing track No Reason by Vertical Blank from 1993 has these darkwave vocals that feel sad and euphoric at the same time. It’s got this “the end is near but you’re not sure if that’s good or bad“ energy which sounds strange but that ambiguity is exactly why it resonates with me.. if that makes sense?
Q. I know you’re a big advocate of community focussed DIY parties, what are some events you’ve played over the last year that you’ve felt best embody community spirit, and what do you feel are some of the most important elements required to achieve it?
A. Two of my favorite gigs this year were Earth Dog in NYC and noclubs in Amsterdam. Both were proper DIY raves in secret locations, built entirely from scratch with great sound and music by great people who genuinely care. What made each of them so special was how much they embodied real community spirit: everyone contributing, looking out for each other and creating a space that truly feels owned by the people in it.
You feel it in how accessible and transparent everything is, in the shared ownership and in the effort to keep things affordable while inviting diverse voices into both the lineup and the organization. Being part of experiences like these makes people feel safe and part of something they get to shape, rather than just attend. And I think that’s a key element. Big up to both crews and anyone out there for keeping that culture alive and staying real and true to themselves!
An episode that feels well overdue yet thoroughly worth the wait! A titan of the Naarm underground music scene, Pjenné has been a kindred spirit and longtime pal since the early days of MDC, and it's no surprise that her contribution is packed full of gloriously deep and immersive feels, bassy and driving in parts and light as a feather in others, speaking to a palette that has been meticulously explored and continues to evolve along with her incredible weekly radio show on PBS, Passing Notes.
@pjenne
Q. What sounds of feelings did you draw upon when gathering inspiration for this mix, and what listening environments could you imagine it being best enjoyed in?
A. For this mix, I wanted to channel the energy and sounds that I associate with Melbourne Deepcast rather than drawing on the darker side of my sound palette that has been at the fore of my radio and club sets of late. MDC means so many things to me, but there’s definitely an energetic, grooviness that comes to mind and this is what inspired the mix. Although the mix does showcase parts of me (heavily atmospheric, emotive and a few downtempo tracks for good measure), I’d say this is more of a mix for you. :) I imagine this mix being listened to outside, on a sunny day, but when you might also need a little extra pep in your step.
Q. Are there any songs in the mix that are especially close to your heart, and what is it about these tracks that resonate with you so much?
A. The first that came to mind is a track by Sean Cusick and Medway (Jesse Skeens) - It is an incredibly beautiful and emotive breakbeat track from 2002 on Saw recordings, there’s just something about how the vocals and the pads wash over you - although its upbeat there's also a sombreness to it and I just think its the whole package.
Towards the end of the mix there’s also a very very classic ambient trance number, Lazer Worshippers by Damon Wild & Tim Taylor from 1993 - Not the most deeply dug track but it's a classic for a reason.
Q. You have been lovingly broadcasting your weekly radio show Passing Notes on PBS for six years running, which is a serious achievement! Tell us what you did for your sixth anniversary on International Women's Day, and what keeps you inspired to broadcast the show week in week out?
A. It’s been a wild ride that’s for sure! I really appreciate that International Women’s Day marks each yearly anniversary of Passing Notes - it reminds me to stop and reflect on each year as an achievement that I would probably otherwise forget in the chaos of life. This year I enlisted the help of Syrian DJ and Harmony Rec affiliate Zeynep, who provided an excellent, playful and sassy celebratory guest mix.
As for my inspiration to keep going, I’d say that I draw from the collective power of electronic artists locally as well as internationally. There’s just so much good music to share, and Passing Notes enables me to provide a crucial connection between ‘underground’ electronic music and the wider music community. I'm also inspired by live radio as a format - it provides a sanctuary for me from the highly curated nature of music today and allows me to be more playful in the way that I explore different sounds. To me it is a place free of judgement.
Melbourne Deepcast
Operating on a global frequency with a knack for genre-blurred grooviness, Berlin-based Zeynep delivers a transportive blend of rolling rhythms and cross-pollinated mind-lockers that hit all the right spots. For those that like their grooves deep, percussive, techy and mysterious you've come to the right place.
@zeynep
Q. What sounds or feelings did you draw upon when gathering inspiration for this mix, and what listening environments could you imagine it being best enjoyed in?
A. First off, I want to thank you for letting me be part of this incredible mix series :‘) what an honor! As a big fan of MDC I wanted to tap into a deeper, more mysterious side of myself while still holding onto the sound that feels like “me”. I tried to let the mix slowly build into that, so you can hear different influences coming through before it settles where it needs to be.
As for the ideal listening environment... I like thinking about how it can live in different contexts. That’s why I love when people surprise me with where they play my mixes. Someone once told me they put one on at an orgy which might be the highest compliment I’ve ever received. So yeah, whatever place you’re in (physical or emotional) if it fits, it fits.
Q. Are there any records in the mix that you were especially excited to share, and what is it about these songs that resonate with you so much?
A. The opening track export city by project runaway from 2020 really captures the kind of rhythm I’m into right now. It’s built around infectious percussion and a sleek, pulsing groove. It kinda mirrors internal restlessness and the desire to move which is what draws me in I guess.
The closing track No Reason by Vertical Blank from 1993 has these darkwave vocals that feel sad and euphoric at the same time. It’s got this “the end is near but you’re not sure if that’s good or bad“ energy which sounds strange but that ambiguity is exactly why it resonates with me.. if that makes sense?
Q. I know you’re a big advocate of community focussed DIY parties, what are some events you’ve played over the last year that you’ve felt best embody community spirit, and what do you feel are some of the most important elements required to achieve it?
A. Two of my favorite gigs this year were Earth Dog in NYC and noclubs in Amsterdam. Both were proper DIY raves in secret locations, built entirely from scratch with great sound and music by great people who genuinely care. What made each of them so special was how much they embodied real community spirit: everyone contributing, looking out for each other and creating a space that truly feels owned by the people in it.
You feel it in how accessible and transparent everything is, in the shared ownership and in the effort to keep things affordable while inviting diverse voices into both the lineup and the organization. Being part of experiences like these makes people feel safe and part of something they get to shape, rather than just attend. And I think that’s a key element. Big up to both crews and anyone out there for keeping that culture alive and staying real and true to themselves!
